In a Public Broadcasting interview last year, Bill Aucoin talked about leaving his behind-the-scenes career in network TV to manage one of the most recognizable rock bands in history: Kiss.

``I don't have a fear of doing something everyone doesn't believe in,'' Aucoin said. ``With Kiss, people I worked with in TV said, `Don't worry; Bill will get past this. Just let him do his little thing with this makeup band. He'll come back and start directing again.' ''

He didn't.

Starting in 1973, Aucoin managed Kiss into stardom, not just as an act but as a brand. In 1978 alone, the band made $121 million, according to Aucoin's business partner, Michael Weinflash -- $55 million of it from Kiss-related merchandise.

Aucoin, of Hallandale Beach, died Sunday at Aventura Hospital. He was 66.

Roman Fernandez, his companion of 15 years, said Aucoin suffered from prostate cancer, and succumbed to surgical complications.

Caption: In this Dec. 16, 1977 file photo, NBC News correspondent Edwin Newman, third left is surrounded by the rock group KISS, from second left, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley and their manager, Bill Aucoin, left, in New York. Aucoin, who discovered the rock group Kiss and helped build them into a musical and merchandising juggernaut, died of complications from prostate cancer on Monday, June 28, 2010 in Aventura, Fla. He was 66. AP Photo, file.